Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded sharply to the sanctions and restrictions being imposed by Washington, which have impacted countries across the world. Calling it a "neocolonial agenda", she said that "politically motivated economic pressure" was being put on those who choose an independent course on the international stage. Zakharova made the remarks responding to a media query regarding the tightening of tariffs by the US Administration.

When asked how Russia view Washington's policy of increasing tariff barriers against the key foreign policy partners in the Global South, Zakharova said, "Sanctions and restrictions have unfortunately become a defining feature of the current historical period, impacting countries across the globe. Unable to accept the erosion of its dominance in an emerging multipolar international order, Washington continues to pursue a neocolonial agenda, employing politically motivated economic pressure against those who choose an independent course on the international stage.

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson further added, "This approach runs counter to the very principles of free trade once championed by Western nations. Instead, we now witness politically driven protectionism and the arbitrary imposition of tariff barriers. Brazil, our strategic partner in Latin America and the Caribbean, is one of the main victims of this policy. Such actions by the United States represent a direct infringement on the sovereignty of other nations and an attempt to interfere in their internal affairs. Beyond these concerns, this policy risks slowing global economic growth, disrupting supply chains, and deepening the fragmentation of the international economic system."